Bible Text: James 5:7-13 | Preacher: Pastor Steve | Series: Living Godly Lives
James 5:7-13 We live in a fast food culture … and this doesn’t just change the way we eat but it has also fundamentally altered the way we experience our time and live our lives
Patience
See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the
earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the
early and latter rain. You also be patient.
James is reminding us that God did not prevent them from suffering; rather, he helped them through their suffering.
MOSES
DAVID
ELIJAH
JEREMIAH
DANIEL
Perseverance
James 5:11 You have heard of Job’s perseverance.
Job may have complained, but he did not stop trusting or obeying God (Job 1:21; 2:10; 16:19-21; 19:25-27).
He declared: For I know that my Redeemer lives!
And the Lord did deliver and restore him more
than in the beginning (Job 42:12).
Psalms 73 Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else…These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!
…the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. What does God know? they ask. Does the Most High even know what’s happening? Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain…
…Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.
…Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever…how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful!
Prayer
Prayer is the most effective, advantageous weaponry God has given us.
As we face the difficult times of our economic sequestration, we as a church need to fight together
Are any among you suffering? They should pray.
There are three main reasons for not praying:
Ignorance
Arrogance
Embarrassment
Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.
When our praise is directed to God, singing is actually another form of prayer.
A parable of an unjust judge and persistent widow
Prayer and Persistence and Patience
Luke 18:1‑8
Jesus is teaching us by contrast.
This parable is an instructive tool to teach us how God isn’t
The widow is NOT a picture of us, the church, we are not widows; we are the bride of Christ.
The point is: if an unrighteous, secular judge will finally hear your appeals, your heavenly father, who loves us and cares about us will hear our appeals. If we come to God asking for HELP He will hear and we can know that God is on our side: always!
Don’t let what appears to be a delay discourage you to pray. This parable teaches us to not stop praying.